This and That

Well...life continues. How can it already be 2 weeks since I wrote my last post? I have been keeping busy, and Mom has made major progress on my wedding dress. I love it! I can't wait to see the finished product! It is going to be gorgeous!

My future father-in-law took Russell and his two brothers to a basketball game several weeks ago for Christmas. The crowd was invited to send in text messages to be displayed on the score board. Russell was about to send one when Clay beat him to it. The whole Atlanta stadium found out that Russell loves Hannah. =) See it in the picture? Russell told me there was another Hannah in the crowd who received a proposal that day, written on the score board. Neat idea! It's funny--I don't know too many people with that name. I hope the guy wasn't too offended when Russell's message showed up. =D Russell loves me!!! WOW! =)

I see hearts everywhere...even in my salad. (giggle)

In 4 days my Russell is coming to see me for my birthday! I can't wait!!! I just can't wait! This is the last time we'll see each other before our wedding. I'm so glad the Lord has allowed us this extra time together. It will be our 3rd visit as a couple. On our 4th visit we will be getting married...imagine that! God sure works in mysterious ways. I would say it can't happen this way (long-distance) and be God's will...but I know it can happen because this is God's will. I hope I don't bore you all by constantly talking about Russell and me. I just...I can't get over it...this relationship...the Lord's goodness. I think it will take a lifetime of wonderment, and even then I don't think I'll get over it. I don't want to ever get over it...never! I stand in awe beholding the goodness of the Lord.

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

~ Psalm 118:23

Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

Hello, everyone!
This post is going to be a rambling session, so prepare to be bored. =D I figured I’d better write one last journal post, since the next couple weeks are going to be very busy and you’re probably going to hear little from me. Perhaps you heard the old wedding custom of the bride having something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue with her on her wedding day. Well, I’m going to have some fun with it today. (giggle)

Something Old
Where has time gone? On Oct. 14th it was one year since the Maynard family came to visit us and Russell and I met face-to-face. Oct. 15th was a year since I graduated. It seems like just yesterday that I was standing in the church’s kitchen, waiting to walk down the aisle to Pomp & Circumstance and Russell was passing by on his way to the front of the auditorium where he and his brothers were going to sing. I didn’t realize then what was going through Russell’s mind as my eyes met his gaze with a smile. Could I ever have imagined that he was praying about me being his wife or that 6 months from today we will be getting married? No…never! God is so very good to this girl to give her such a special young man.

Something New
The chilly days of autumn are upon us here in Holland. I think it has been unseasonably cold. We have been lighting candles just to take the initial morning chill off the room. Yesterday we finally broke down and turned the heat on, so we’re thawing out nicely now. (chuckle) It kinda sad when you find yourself huddled around a candle to warm your freezing hands. =D
The leaves on our currant tree, which were a brilliant display of gold and orange several days ago, have now fallen to the ground, marking the completion of another year’s growth cycle. I love that verse in Genesis 8:22 that says, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” It’s a blessing to know that, while this earth remains, the seasons we depend on will come and go has they have since God first established them.
We are enjoying the delights of the season. For family night last night we opened the first bag of pepernoten. Pepernoten (I guess the direct translation would be pepper nuts, also called spice nuts) are tiny, hard cookies with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. You could say it is the Dutch people’s version of our American pumpkin pie--a similar flavor while having a different texture. Last year we invented this interesting game of throwing pepernoten into the air at whoever is sitting on the opposite couch and having them attempt to catch them in their mouth…kinda like basketball, only using cookies. (chuckle) You should see Dad! He’s really good! =D Well, that’s enough personal info on our family’s odd ways of having fun.

I got contacts on Tuesday! I like them well enough…as well as anyone can like a piece of plastic in their eye. (chuckle) Actually, except for my eyes feeling somewhat dry, they really aren’t that bad. It’s nice to have my peripheral vision back, which is something you miss out on with glasses. And I also discovered through the process of a painful day’s wear that regardless of what my optometrist says, my contacts do need to be gently rubbed clean in the new-and-improved “no rub” solution. I guess it was supposed to be one of these miraculous self-clean things, but…I have sad news! It doesn’t work! Not for me, anyway. But, praise God that things are going okay, because I would really like to wear contacts when a certain special day arrives, even though Russell tells me I look beautiful with or without glasses. =) He’s so sweet!

And that brings me to the next “something new.” My family and I are leaving to go to Florida in just 3 days!!! It will be so wonderful to see Russell again! When I think that we have only seen each other in person for a grand total of 2 weeks, I can hardly believe it. By the time we get married in April we will have spent 8 (possibly 9) weeks with each other. Is that wild or what? Russell’s and my courtship would be different enough if it was long distance State-side, but I must say that having an international courtship has made our relationship very unique indeed. I know most couples don’t have their wedding date picked out before their engagement, but in our case we had to.
Along with our other luggage, we have packed 4 large containers full of my belongings. We should be able to get all my things to Florida between this load and the next, when we leave for the wedding. If you think to, please pray that everything arrives safely and without breaking. After 14+ years of packing, Mom is quite the expert, but that’s not necessarily a guarantee when airport security rummages through our luggage and shifts it all around. They’ve just made luggage rules even more strict and have reduced weight limits per suitcase from 70 pounds to 50. Trying to pack so each suitcase doesn’t exceed the weight limit, is full enough so everything doesn’t shift around, and is packed well enough so it doesn’t break is a great challenge!!!
Anyway, our next 6 weeks in Florida are going to be packed with activity. I have a doctor appointment on the 23rd, the next week the Maynards’ church is holding a camp meeting, then the week after that our family + Russell is heading to NY to visit our family up north. By the time we get back to FL we will have used up about half our vacation. The next 2-3 weeks will be taken up with as much wedding preparations as we can get done, seeing as this will be the last time we are in the States before the wedding. There is so much to do. I’ll spare you all the details. (chuckle) As Russell so perfectly worded it, we are going to hit the ground running. Please keep our family in prayer if you think to! =)
I’m so thankful for the Maynards and all the sweet people in their church who have sacrificed time, money, and energy to get the house ready for our family to stay in. Several miracles have happened along the way as everyone has worked hard to make it livable again. I don’t know if I mentioned this before, but the house where my family will be staying is also the house Russell and I will be living in temporarily after we get married until we can move into Russell’s house which is bigger. I think the Lord worked it out perfectly--I will get to live in Russell’s and my house for 6 weeks and get used to the feel of things. Being a bride isn’t the only thing that’s going to be new for me in 6 month’s time. I’m going to be moving to a new country, new state, with new surroundings, new family, new church, new friends, and living in a somewhat-new house with a new husband and a new marriage. That’s a lot of new-s (no pun intended) for a 21, going on 22-year-old girl who has a hard time adjusting to change. I’m gaining more and more respect for Rebekah with each new day. What a brave girl!!! Though I have an advantage over her, what we both solidly have in common is the knowledge and assurance that fulfilling God’s will may not necessarily mean the most common way things are done and it may not be the easiest way, but the Lord’s grace is sufficient to carry us through the unspeakable joys of marriage and intense sorrows of longing for loved ones so far away.

Something Borrowed
I either took these pictures with Lydia’s camera, or I borrowed the pictures from her. So, this covers my “something borrowed.”

Standing strong! Stand strong, Christian, and let your light and beauty shine for the Lord! =)

My last summer at home... See Dad studying on the patio? I love this picture!

While in the process of making muffins, I couldn’t help but notice the date on this can of pumpkin...April 2010! Pretty important month! And, yes, I am sentimental...although I didn't go so far as to keep the top. (giggle)

Family that I love so dear,

Very soon we won’t be near.

Let’s cherish the moments within our grasp,

Reach for the hand that’s still there to clasp.

Our lives are on the brink of great change.

At first it’s going to feel very strange.

But the Lord will be with us even in this,

Making it easier when each other we miss.

Cause north or south, east or west,

Living in God’s will is always best!

Have you ever looked up the trunk of a huge tree and felt like you were going to fall on your bottom as the full impact of its height hit you? Do you see me--the little speck in the right corner of this photo? As I stood underneath these enormous trees, I couldn’t help but feel tiny and insignificant in comparison...and, yet, my God is so much greater than these puny splinters (as He must see them). The Lord is so much bigger than me and all my “big problems.” It makes me wonder why I so often lean on my own understanding instead of just trusting Him...He whose enormity exceeds these enormous trees a million times over. And then to think...that He would bother to take notice of me! Wow!

It's hard to believe we’re already half-way through the month of October! Isn’t my Cherished Teddy cute? I have a particular liking for bears...especially one great big teddy bear whose name starts with an R. (chuckle)

Yes, the leaves in the background really are that bright!!!

Something Blue

It may sound odd, but in some ways I’ve already started detaching myself from my family, as I know they are doing with me too. We’re all attempting to emotionally prepare ourselves for the separation we know is going to take place soon. In some ways I am mourning the inevitable loss of my family and childhood years that can never be recaptured. They went by so quickly. During dinnertime and the cozy evenings spent together in conversation, I find myself laughing and joking with my family or simply joining in on a serious discussion. Sometimes, as I listen to the merriment taking place around me, I picture in my mind’s eye the setting before me…but without me in it. Just Dad, Mom, Lydia, and Josiah. Lately I find myself turning away as tears fill my vision. At times I can’t even explain the conflicting emotions I feel of out-of-this-world joy and then unutterable sorrow that sweep over me, catching me completely off guard. Maybe I’m strange. Maybe not…I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong. I am thrilled about my upcoming wedding and the fact that I’m going to belong to Russell. He is the incarnation of all my dreams…and more! When the Bible says that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think it sure was right!!! I could not be more blessed, and for that I thank the Lord!!! Well, this wasn’t something that was truly blue, as in the color blue, but at times it makes me feel a little blue, in a manner of speaking.

Now...for something that truly is blue!!! In just 3 days I’m going to see Russell’s blue (greenish) eyes! No more skype and blotchy web cams!!! Praise God! Goodness, if I didn’t know how handsome Russell is I’d really have to wonder about it when his face looks like a peach-colored ball with black holes for eyes. (chuckle) I will be SO glad not to use skype for 6 weeks. Thank the Lord! (glad sigh)

Well, this has gotten long…too long. I need to run. The packing continues! =) In the next few weeks I’m probably going to have very little time to do major emailing with those of you who I regularly keep in contact with. I’m going to try to do some picture posts and a general update about what’s going on while we’re in Florida.

Thanks for listening to my heart and thoughts!

Lord bless!
Hannah

P.S.

If you all would please pray for Bro. Mischa and Bro. Glenn, who are taking over the church in my dad’s absence, we would really appreciate that! No doubt, the devil is going to be working overtime. Please pray that the evil forces of Satan will be bound and cast into Hell where they belong.

Also, I’d like to thank those of you who took time to write me personal emails of encouragement regarding my previous posts. I hope you received my emails in response. Thanks for being a blessing to me! =)

Update:

Hello, everyone! I know I haven’t been doing a whole lot on my blog. Russell is home now, and I’m trying to catch up on everything I let go while he was visiting. Don’t think that my lack of posts is any indication that I didn’t have the week of my life or that I am not thrilled. My week with Russell was so much fun and a blessing. Believe me, there is more to come along those lines. Just give me some time.

Right now I’m trying to catch up on journal, emails that have been pouring in, I’m thinking about future posts, trying to get pictures together, spending time with my family, keeping up with my life and daily schedule, and trying to adjust to the fact that Russell is really courting me and all the “newness” that has come about because of that. Russell’s surprise visit really surprised me. You know me--Miss Organized Perfectionist. Well, I’m still trying to register everything that has happened in my mind and “file” it in an orderly fashion. To be honest, my brain is still trying to catch up with the events of the past 2 weeks. We only just started courting, and it seems like people are already wanting answers about the wedding, etc. I feel very overwhelmed and need a little time to catch my breath.

One of these days I’m going to write a post about Russell’s and my love story. As a young girl I would listen to ladies tell how they met and fell in love with their husbands, and I always wanted to have a special story to tell, just like they did. Well, God sure wrote a beautiful love story when He wrote Russell’s and mine. I can’t wait to share it with you all. It is astounding to me what God has done over the years to prepare us for each other and how, with such skill and perfection, He brought us to the place where we are today. If you are single, I hope it will be an encouragement for you to wait for God’s best. It is SO worth the wait! (You’re going to see that phrase a lot, so be prepared! =) I feel like a little bit of Heaven has descended and entered my world. The Lord is so good!

I really miss Russell. It hasn’t been easy to be separated, and I know we’re looking at months of separation still to come. Sometimes I can’t describe how sad I feel. Still, a soothing peace fills my heart. Yes, it is peace. I know, even at this moment, that God is giving me grace. He’s carrying me through. I keep having this verse run through my mind:

And what joy fills my soul,
just to know, just to know
That His grace is sufficient for me.

God’s grace is sufficient! Praise the Lord! Please continue to keep Russell and me in your prayers. The Lord has brought us to this point, and we sure don’t want to mess things up now. “I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD.”

Thank you all so much for your kind emails and comments. We appreciate the love and support you have shown us and the prayers that are being raised on our behalf.

Lord bless,
Hannah

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” ~ Psalm 27:13-14

Ramblings on a Rainy Day!

Hello, my friends!

My, my, my! What a dreary, rainy, lazy day we’re having! I woke up to the sound of pouring rain and it’s been doing that all day. Makes me want to curl up in bed and go right back to sleep. These are the days when it’s nice to light candles and play games and eat popcorn and drink hot chocolate or cinnamon tea. Yup, it’s definitely getting to be that time of year! I’m holding myself in check; I have this wonderful urge to use my hoarded fall clipart. But, I’m going to be patient and wait until October. For any guys who visit my blog--sorry! You’ll have to put up with pink a bit longer. =)

It’s sorta been a boring day, but that’s the way life goes. I’ve been doing odd jobs around the house--you know, the kind that you don’t really notice and at the end of the day you look back and go “What did I even get accomplished today?” Ugh! I hate that. Also, I’ve been feeling pretty lousy lately. If you know me, then you also know that that really bugs me, because I like to get things done, which I can’t do when I feel like this. So, if you like me…even a little, maybe you could pray for me. I need all the help I can get!!!

I’m looking forward to Sunday! Come to think of it, I’m looking forward to the next couple months, because they are full of activity--church stuff and company and birthdays and then holidays. Makes me about as glad as a mouse with a ribbon-wrapped hunk of cheese!!!

Hey, I have something neat to share with y’all. (And, no, I’m not from the South, I’m just practicing for our Southern company. We’ve gotta make them feel at home, you know!) As I was saying… Dad was asked by a guy in our church, Anthony is his name, if he could go talk to one of his friends about the Lord. They made an appointment to meet downtown yesterday afternoon. I’ll give you the good news before I go into the whole long story. The angels are rejoicing because another soul was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!!! Dad got home after 2 hours of witnessing and took a nap. It wasn’t until later that night that he shared this story with us…

Anthony had called saying he would be a little late, so Dad got a cup of coffee at Burger King and walked around the downtown area, passing people and nodding to them and thinking. Some big guy approached Dad and demanded “fire”--a cigarette lighter. Dad was so deep in thought and caught off guard that he just shrugged and shook his head that he didn’t have one and kept on walking. Then the guy suddenly said, “Don’t you recognize me?” Dad thought maybe he was supposed to know this guy, so he turned around and looked deep into his eyes, but the guy wouldn’t let him. He abruptly turned away and averted his eyes. Then Dad heard him say, “I want to mess you up.” Shocked, Dad continued to watch him as he walked away, frantically asking people for “fire.” Then he began cussing and cursing. Dad said he didn’t realize until he laid down to take a nap that the man was demon possessed. “Don’t you recognize me?” That wasn’t a man speaking! That was an evil spirit. The devil knew Anthony’s friend was going to get saved, and he was mad. He wanted to “mess up” Dad so he couldn’t share the Gospel. But God was in control!!! Praise the Lord!

Isn’t that creepy? I’m really glad I can’t see what’s going on in the spiritual world; I probably wouldn’t dare to step outside my house…but I shouldn’t say that. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Well, looks like I’m about done jabbering away, and would you believe it? It’s still raining cats and dogs! It’s 6 PM right now, and I’d probably better get my lazy bones out of this chair and help with dinner. Tonight is family night. I’m so looking forward to it! Friday is just about my favorite day, because I get to spend it with my favorite people--my family. Maybe we’ll play a fun game or watch a nice video together…or maybe we’ll just sit around and “flap our gums,” like I’m doing now! Ha, ha! Whatever we do, I’m sure it will be fun as long as we’re together.

I’m hoping you’re having a nice day. Lord bless ya!

P.S. Did you know that the post script on a letter is usually the best part? Yup, it is!!! That’s why I have post scripts on my blog. I heard from a friend of mine that Hurricane Hanna is heading all the way across the ocean. I’m not sure if I believe him, though. If you knew him you’d know why. (chuckle) Imagine Hanna coming to visit Hannah! (chuckle again) Seriously, I feel bad for people whose names are the same as these hurricanes. You wouldn’t believe all the teasing and harassment we get!!!

By the way, did you know Obama wants to make government “cool”? That’s a direct quote! “...Make government cool again.” What he really means is “get the liberals in the White House.” That would be “cool.” See, you’ve got to understand teen talk to understand what he’s actually saying. What a loser!

Vacation!

We just finished dinner, during which we discussed how nice it would be to go on vacation and just get away from everything. A lot of things have been going on lately. Sometimes I think it would be fun to run away from life, but that isn’t an option, soooooo… =)

We don’t have the finances to “run away.” What else could we do? Dad said he could take some time off and have our guys preach. Then we can remain home and have house church. Ha! Can you imagine?! No, I’m kidding. Those two Sundays we could liven up the Kamps’ services with Dad shouting amen. They would probably like that a bunch.

During the week we could go on daytrips, although I’m not sure where we would go. Then I thought of this: We could set up a tent in the backyard and camp out. Disconnect the phone and Internet…no TV, no computer...you know, pretend they don’t exist?!!!

Don’t you get tired of always being available? Even when you’re alone you can’t truly be alone!!! Between cell phones, iPods, and MP3 players there’s no quiet relaxation these days! You can carry your phone, TV, and radio/CD player around with you wherever you go. Of course, we all know that’s part of Satan’s plan...



Obnoxious, isn’t it? Ha!

So, what do you think of the plan? I think it’s GREAT!

Well, I need to go get ready for church now. Ta, ta!

My New Camera

What a lovely day! It’s about 70 degrees outside and somewhat humid. This is the first day that it’s felt like spring…no, summer! =) Summer! How I love summer! (squeal of delight) Not only is the weather beautiful, but the Lord did something so sweet for me today.

I’ve been praying for a camera for several weeks now. I really wanted one before we have our street preaching conference which is next week. Well, this morning Dad came to me and said he had found a camera for me. We drove into Bussum together, and Dad bought it for me!!! I was planning to buy it with my own money, but Dad wouldn’t let me. He got all offended when I tried to argue with him about it. My daddy is so sweet! I got a Pentax Optio E40 on sale for a great price. I’m still trying to get used to it, but I like it already. The camera makes movies with sound, and I can also make audio recordings, which is a pretty neat feature! What a sweet blessing from the Lord! He’s so good to me. He supplies my needs and so many of my wants. Praise the Lord! =) Here’s a picture of my new camera…

Best Buddies

~*~

This is Josiah, me, and Lydia (in that order). Along with my parents, my brother and sister really are my best buddies. Through experience I have learned that “friends” will desert me. Few people know the meaning of the word loyalty. No matter how badly others treat me, my family is always there when I need them. I praise God that we are “stuck with each other,” as Mom teasingly says. The mission field has taught me the importance of family love, a love that only strengthens with each storm we face. People will come and go through our church; I can’t rely on them. Time has eroded strong relationships we once had with family and friends in the States. People change. I’m glad I serve a Savior who never changes. My Lord is the same yesterday, today, forever. He is ever faithful! Jesus will always love me and never, ever leave me. I’m glad I have Someone I can count on!

Wings Like a Dove

“My heart is sore pained within me…Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” Psalm 55:4-8

The heavy waves of oppression beat fiercely against our ship with an ever strengthening force, tossing us violently about. Harder and harder they crash against our haul, attempting to destroy the very foundation on which we stand. On and on they come. Will the stormy sea ever calm? The winds of discouragement blow harder, willing to tear our sails and set us off course. Where is our port of rest, the harbor of safety? It seems so very far away.

Sometimes life seems so hard to bear. Everything seems against us. Even friends turn their backs, and do that which I least expect from them. Oh, deliver me from the oppression of man! The storms of trouble howl and rage. One after another they come upon us. Just as one has ceased, another begins. I find myself longing for sweet relief. Tears course my cheeks. Oh, that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, far away. I would find my resting place where no troubles can discover me, where no human face is to be seen. I would breathe deeply, and dwell alone in the safety of my Refuge.

A little child playing hide-and-go-seek will cover his eyes and, though his body is visible, he believes that he is well hidden simply because he cannot see the one seeking him. I wish life were that simple. I wish I could hide my face from trouble and have it all vanish away.

Lord, just enough energy to get through the day, is that too much to ask? Lord, enough fortitude to face the struggles, is that too much to ask?

The church leadership is under attack; the people are facing front-line fire. The family is wounded and valiantly struggling to remain composed. Personal problems and physical weakness. Spiritual darkness falls heavy, grows thicker. Government agents are used as pawns in the evil hands of the ruler of this world. Our missionary friends are being forced to leave the country. What we must suffer for the sake of the ministry!

Heaven grows sweeter with each passing day.

I questioned the Lord’s ways, and I heard the words “My grace is sufficient for thee; My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God must have some purpose for all this. I do not understand, but it is not my place to understand. I have only to trust Him, for I have a sure promise.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19

A Gentleman? No Way!

I’m still in disbelief! Yesterday, as Lydia and I existed a building, a man actually held the door open for us and wished us a nice weekend!!! Other than having my brother or Dad open and close the car door for me, I can’t remember the last time that happened. It’s sad that it made such a big impression on me; it should be normal for men to treat women like that.

Lydia, Josiah, and I were tossing the football yesterday, enjoying the last rays of sunlight, when our ball rolled into the street just as a car was coming. I hurried to rescue it and then waited on the sidewalk for the man to pass. He stopped the car and motioned for me to cross in front of him. Wow!

What was wrong with men yesterday? They must have forgotten that they are supposed to be rude. Rather, they aren’t supposed to be rude, but most are anyway. Maybe it was “Gentlemen’s Day,” the only day of the year that a man is required to act like a gentleman. (Hey, they have a day for everything else!)

Maybe it was the clothes that made the difference. I was wearing one of my favorite, extremely comfortable, A-line jean skirts. (I know it’s hard to believe, but I actually play sports in a skirt that touches the ground. It is possible!)

I have a theory: If women would start dressing like ladies, men might start acting like gentlemen! Now there’s a thought!

Whatever the case may be, it was nice to be treated like a lady.

Hint, hint…

Sunday Stress

Oh, boy! I am SO tired!
What did I do today? I got up, went to church, played the piano, and listened to the preaching. What is so incredibly strenuous about that?
All I can think is that it must be spiritual, because I’ve done nothing that should have me feeling so physically drained. I hardly had the energy to eat my dinner. I think more stress is on the pastor and his family than anyone, including myself, realizes. Truly, we are in a spiritual battle, warring with unseen forces.

Well, I was going to write more, although you probably don’t want to hear it since I’ll only be complaining about how exhausted I am, (ha, ha!), but Dad is going to read, so I’m blog retiring for the night. Ta, ta!